Not Utility and Not a Shack and other New Mexico, NM Shopping Tips

Name of Shop: Utility Shack

Don't let the name or the location fool you. This is one classy store. It is like going to a Native American museum and gallery. Don't miss the back of the store where things are for sale but look more like art exhibits. There is also a vintage jewelry case, where people have sold their old jewelry to the store. I have made some real finds there. It is both a retail and wholesale place, so most items cost half of what they are marked, i.e., the prices are good. The service is friendly, helpful and low key. Definitely one of the best, if not the best, places to buy Native American art and crafts in Albuquerque. Don't go just by me; you should read this IgoUgo review by a person who knows a lot more about shopping than I do.

What To Buy: You can find all kinds of authentic Native American jewelry, pottery, sculptures, blankets, rugs, kachinas and fetishes.

What To Pay: You can find items like $4 earrings, $15 fetishes, $60 bracelets, all the way up to museum-quality pieces that cost thousands of dollars.

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Theme: Jewelry
Phone: (505) 292-0174
Address: 11035 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123
Directions: On the north side of Central Avenue (Old US-66) between Eubank and Juan Tabo Blvds. in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Name of Shop: Norma Jean Ortiz-Juanico

Norma Jean is an award-winning Acoma potter. She makes pottery and figurines the same way her family has made it for 1000 years or more. Her grandmother taught her how when she was 12 years old. She also does wonderful paintings on wood. Her house is toward the end of the tour loop (north side) but well-worth the wait. Besides being talented, she is a really nice lady. As opposed to many of the other vendors, she will let you take pictures of her art (you should ask first) and will sometimes even be in the pictures herself.

What To Buy: Pottery, clay figurines and paintings of traditional designs on wood.


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Theme: Art

Name of Shop: Richardson's Pawn Shop, Gallup, New Mexico

Don't let the name Richardson's Pawn Shop fool you. They are one of the biggest distributors of Indian jewelry in the country.

What To Buy: Shop for both new and old Indian jewelry or other items. You can get your rifle and saddle there too.

What To Pay: You can spend a few dollars or thousands.

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Theme: Jewelry
Address: Gallup, New Mexico